I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Imagine spending time with someone who exudes absolute love and acceptance. Imagine the beautiful feeling of complete inclusion . . . even adoration. This is what every moment with Matt and Annie feels like. They love each other, and everyone around them, completely and without a hint of exclusion or restraint.

It was a tremendous honor to photograph this marvelous occasion in their lives, but the very deepest honor of all is simply the gift of being their friend.

Enjoy.

Annie, how’s this for frolicking? I’m pretty sure we nailed it. :)

I shot the majority of the day barefooted. Let’s just say that heels, low as they were, were not the best option for shooting on a ranch. :) Silly me.

The father of the bride gave the most touching toast I have ever heard at any wedding over the length of my career (that’s a lot of weddings). My favorite excerpt (because yes, I asked for a copy):

As I have reflected on the days and months that have brought us here tonight, I realize that this is a time of memories—of those precious moments of honesty, caring, thoughtfulness and love—these are the snapshots of my life as a father and ours as a family . . . they [have] become the whole of our experience. Childhood, parenting, is fleeting. The events of which happen only once. . . . For those of you with children or those who soon will be having children, never forget that the time that elapses between where you now sit and I stand is incredibly short, and once past, no part of it can be recreated. A lost moment is lost forever. That precious, loving, time-sensitive creature who adores you is the most importnat thing in the world. Your tomorrow is my today, and today, right here, right now, I would give anything to recover just one lost opportunity, one precious, past moment with that child in my snapshots.

To answer your question, yes, of course, I cried like a baby.

Every one of the girls in the image above is a past or current client (even using that word to describe them makes me cringe). These women are sincerely among the most treasured friends of my life. I love them completely. Left to right: Kellin, Alexis, Mei, Annie, Stephanie.

It’s the silliest thing, and I promise I’m not a narcissist, but the above image of me hugging Annie at the end of the day. . . an image I didn’t even take . . . is truly my favorite image of the day. Annie, I love you, SO MUCH. To borrow a phrase from Pride and Prejudice (which I watched twice as I prepared this post), none of us could have parted with you “to anyone less worthy” than Matt. I am SO happy for you both.

Taylor Pendleton:
these are the most wonderful. go, natalie. November 12, 2013 10:30 pm

Camille:
Good Heavens you are out of control good! I'm speechless and so full of completely deserving compliments all at the same time. I want to frame so many of these and put them all over my walls and I don't even know this beautiful couple. Thanks for always inspiring!! November 12, 2013 10:53 pm

Annie:
The blend of perfections between their day and your work is seamless. Genius. Brava, sweet Natalie. November 12, 2013 11:24 pm

Kelllin:
Ugh. You are amazing!! Love waking up to these. When is the next one!? The sunrise and sunset, perfect bookends. And the night shot! I was wondering what you were up to on your car roof as we drove away. Just stunning. All of it. As per usual. <3 Kel November 13, 2013 1:11 am

shari:
you killed it nat. 1,000% over. LOVE all of these and holy cow I still have tears rolling down my cheeks from that sweet toast. ROCK ON GIRLFRIEND! xoxo November 13, 2013 8:02 am

Leeyen:
Gorgeous Nat. They're so lucky to have these and that speech!!!! November 13, 2013 8:03 am

Rachel Levi:
Natalie! You captured EVERYTHING so perfectly. The way you captured the strings of lights giving off perfect stars of light. INCREDIBLE. And I second Kellin; the night shot of the stars is so so so stunning!!! Most of all I love the shots of Nils & Robin watching Annie get married and Matt's parents dancing to Harvest Moon. And your line for line reciting Nils' speech!!!! AAAH. ANNIE YOU ARE SO GORGEOUS!!! November 13, 2013 8:04 am

Emilie:
Oh I love all these colors and that speech just made me cry like a baby too! Beautiful work, Natalie! November 13, 2013 9:11 am

Michelle:
Thank you for posting Annie's dad's toast. I needed that so much today and every day I have with my beautiful children. His words truly touched me. November 13, 2013 12:03 pm

Ally:
Hey there! I think your blog is lovely, so I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! It’s just some blogosphere fun, and a cute way to say you’re awesome.. go share the happy! See www.tinylittlefootprints.com for more details :) November 18, 2013 4:55 pm

Liz:
A little late to the party :) but LOVE these images!! Each one just exudes real and honest love. It's almost like we were there! So happy to see so much more of your work on your blog!! November 25, 2013 3:57 pm

Savannah:
What a beautiful wedding! The colors are amazing and your photos are full of emotion! I feel like I was there myself. December 10, 2013 6:28 am

Sarah:
The emotion shown is truly beautiful in the moments you have captured. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring. December 15, 2013 7:22 pm

Mei:
did i not mention that i love this? i LOVE THIS! so so so happy. natalie, you continue to rock our worlds. xoxoxo December 29, 2013 6:08 pm

sally Hiebert:
Annie Pie and your lovely friend Natalie who took these pix and posted this blog. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your beautiful day. Cap'n and I echo every loving sentiment expressed here for you, and now since he has taken the leap -- for Matt, too. Blessings Blessings. And also to your puppy! Sally January 13, 2014 12:30 pm

Shelly:
I had to come back and see these again. So SOOOO incredible, Natalie! Seriously. Some of your very best -- I know I always say that, but WOW. February 9, 2014 9:44 am

Dina:
I would love to know where she bought her dress...love it! March 9, 2014 4:56 pm

natalie:
Dina, I'm pretty sure she had it custom made (and by pretty sure, I'm 99% positive). If you'd like her seamstress information, I'm sure she'd be happy to share. Just email me at aloha {at} natalienortonblog {dot} com, and I'll connect the two of you... March 17, 2014 9:00 am

Karen Julia:
Stunning set of photos! I love the documentary coverage, you've captured so many beautiful moments! :-) May 1, 2014 12:51 am

Abigail:
These are all so beautiful! But I absolutely love the 4 of the guitarist!! September 12, 2014 6:31 am

Serge:
Just awesome and impresssive pictures. A photographer myself, I love to wander the worldwide web to find new and beautiful ideas on how to improve and better myself by observing the craft of talented and a master photographer such Natalie. September 13, 2016 8:06 am

Over the last couple of weeks, as I’ve sincerely worked to achieve a higher level of overall happiness, this question has come to my mind over and over (and over) again: does it take as much work to be unhappy as it does to be happy?

I sincerely wonder.

Time is the great equalizer—we all have precisely the same number of hours in each and every day. What differentiates one of us from the next is not how much time we have at our disposal, rather it’s how we choose to invest those 24 hours every day.

I threw this design together, but the phrase is not my own.
It’s been all over Pinterest, Instagram and the www.

Let’s push pause on the discussion of happiness for 32 seconds and think about this concept in general, starting with some introspection: what is your goal? Greater happiness? Increased success? A higher level of productivity? An enhanced level of gratitude? Now think of someone who has achieved the end in mind you are anxious to achieve. Do they make different decisions with their time than you do? Perhaps? It’s definitely worth thinking about.

(Un-pause.)

My personal goal is an increased level of happiness in my life. Thus, I’m asking myself the following:

1. Do happy people invest their time more wisely than I do?
2. Assuming (as I am) that the answer to the question above is “yes,” the obvious follow up would be: How do happy people’s decisions with their time differ from my own—what, specifically, are they doing differently than I am?

Happy vs Unhappy: is the amount of work the same?

So. . . . I’ve had this line of thought running through my head (and heart) on repeat, and today, I happened “randomly” across the following quote from author Carlos Castaneda:

“The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.”

I say “randomly,” because I really don’t feel there was anything random about it. The moment I read those words, their validity fell upon my heart like a ton of bricks. It was a message I needed to receive, in a moment when I sincerely needed to receive it.

What do YOU think?

I am not an expert on happiness (clearly). I’m genuinely eager to explore this subject right along with the rest of you! So please, tell me what you think!

1. What kinds of choices with their time do you think happy people make?
2. Or perhaps a better question is: what kinds of actions, thoughts etc do happy people choose NOT to waste their time on?
3. What kinds of choices with your time tend to make you happiest?
4. If you think back on a time of sincere happiness, how were you choosing to invest your time during that period of your life?

Let me know any of your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t feel like you have to answer each of the numerical questions above! Just let me know how YOU feel as it relates to the subject of time and happiness—be as brief or as long winded as you like! As always, I promise to do my best to respond to each of your comments personally!

Here’s to greater happiness, today!

xo,

Nat

Disclaimer:

Please don’t misunderstand. I am a generally happy human being. I am. But I want to be happier. I think there is greater happiness available to me. . . to each of us, and I want to get out there and find every ounce of that joy that I possibly can! (I KNOW you want the same! Just as time is an equalizer, I’d venture to say that the pursuit of happiness is an equalizer as well. . .)

Aussie Sarah:
This is spot on Nat! Sometime, I am ashamed to admit, I can actually feel myself choosing the unhappy response because I'm feeling mad or sad and in that moment I want to wallow. It never bodes well for me so it makes no sense. I love the idea of consciously choosing happiness. Once again, thank you lovely! November 11, 2013 8:06 pm

Shannon:
Serving others, indulging in scriptures at least once a day and finding time for myself in a workout or alike fitness activity. It's finding or rather making time and disregarding the "social media" lifestyles, those I believe suck the life out of people. Remove from the negatively you start to live and breathe more positively . November 11, 2013 8:09 pm

Jennifer:
I want to sincerely thank you for this series. Your timing for my life could not have been more spot-on. Thanks! November 11, 2013 8:13 pm

Jennifer:
Natalie, thank you so much for sharing your heart and thoughts on Happiness. I was recently talking to a friend and they asked, who do you know who is truly happy. This was several weeks ago and you came to my mind, because from my limited time with you I sense your honest desire for intentional happiness. Literally that evening you posted your first blog on Happiness :)
I believe Happiness is like a tiny but very important muscle, they kind just going for a jog doesn't work, but rather you have to learn to find it, use it, stretch it, but once you do, you notice significant change in your body. Happiness doesn't focus on the result, or situation but rather the process.
Things that make me happy and remind me to chose to pursue and spend my time happy, or help me when I am not...a hug, nothing better than a hug from my hubby, or nephews, a friend. Long hot showers, and physical activity whether a walk, a barre class or yoga.
Anyways, kinda rambling, but thank you for asking these questions, initiating and continuing the conversation! WHAT IF people thought of me as Happy, and sensed and say God's love and joy in my life? WHAT IF, i stopped being consumed by the outcome and enjoyed the process? November 11, 2013 8:20 pm

Jen:
I just LOVE this!! I find if I take time to read - even for just a little bit each day, makes me so much happier! The one time in each day that I carve out a little 'me' time that I fully enjoy! November 11, 2013 8:20 pm

natalie:
Sarah! YES YES YES YES YES! I just want to shout AMEN! I will sit in a messy room all day, feeling my energy being sapped more and more with every moment that passes, but feeling as though I can't possibly stop what I'm doing to clean it up! When in reality, if I would just take the 5 minutes necessary to do some quicky tidying, my entire day would be happier and more productive. I feel you, woman. November 11, 2013 8:20 pm

Rachelle L:
Yep- I really want to read the book now. I think this is a super paradigm shift for me- November 11, 2013 8:21 pm

Heather:
I try to be in the moment with my kids each day. Play with them on the floor, appreciate all they do and say. That makes me SO much happier each day November 11, 2013 8:21 pm

natalie:
Shannon, SO MUCH TRUTH HERE! Yes! On all three counts! Scriptures, exercise, and cutting back on social media all definitely affect our overall happiness levels! The social media (while clearly not the most important of the three) is a HUGE factor in so many people's lives right now-MINE INCLUDED! I have to make a concerted effort to spend less time "plugged in." It's not easy to do in this day and age, but boy is it worth it! November 11, 2013 8:22 pm

natalie:
Jennifer, Oh my word! THANK YOU for your loving support. Sincerely. It means more than you could ever know! xoxo November 11, 2013 8:23 pm

natalie:
Heather, You are SO RIGHT! It's amazing how a quick "peek" at the computer can steal away an entire afternoon before you've even realized what happened! Making it a real priority to be present blesses our own hearts and lives and the hearts and lives of those around us (especially our children and spouse) as well! Love this! LOVE! November 11, 2013 8:25 pm

natalie:
Rachelle, It's a GREAT read. I'm not all the way through, and it's already transforming my life. xxoo! November 11, 2013 8:25 pm

natalie:
Jen, YES! Reading is an infinitely more fulfilling way to relax and unwind than television or internet. And yet. . . hulu. . .netflix. . . both just so tempting!!!! But not nearly as satisfying! Love this one! November 11, 2013 8:26 pm

Stephanie LAVIN:
Drinking green smoothies, running at 4:44 am , playing with my kids! Actually doing a load of laundry a day! Cleaning up the daily chaos in bins to help organize. Pray. Genuinely pray to God for help. Help to stay strong and smile through the shit. That's how I do it and I fail and succeed daily! November 11, 2013 8:32 pm

Taylor:
I think that a lot of what makes me happy is making deliberate choices--- when I'm deliberate, I am most happy. When I'm in charge of my life, and not just lazily going from activity to activity, I am most happiest!
I'm happiest serving not only my family as a wife and mother, but also myself!! It think that's important: taking care of MYSELF. November 11, 2013 8:35 pm

Belinda Olsen:
Natalie! I hope I meet you one day so I can give you a huge hug! I desperately needed to read this post. We recently had an adoption fall through and I've had a hard time getting out of the funk. I've been thinking about the choices happy people make that have been through the same situation. Idle time is definitely not my friend. I also have been working in setting realistic expectations of the number of things I can achieve in a day. November 11, 2013 8:36 pm

Lexington Smithson:
My husband and I have been struggling with this concept. We are always finding reasons to be down: work schedule, not making enough money, no time, our health- the list goes on. Recently I decided that I have the power to control these thoughts. Ive known this concept but applying it is a different story. Ive been trying to see the good in each day and situation and make changes that i can control. This weekend was a rough one as I could not get my husband out of the dark place he was in. It breaks my heart and I sometimes take it personal. Life is a journey and happiness is something I've said i wanted since i was little and I think I'm finally on the track I need to be on personally to achieve that. I just hope I can encourage my husband and others around me and maybe it will help me too. Thanks for the therapy session!!! :) November 11, 2013 8:40 pm

natalie:
Steph! You make me so happy. We each fail and succeed daily, right? And part of happiness, I think, is making space for ourselves: for our humanity. . . for our failures as well as our successes. I need to get on the green smoothie train, I think. . . :) xo November 11, 2013 8:55 pm

natalie:
Taylor: Y.E.S. Being deliberate. When we just move through each day wondering why we're miserable. . . it's probably because we are just responding to stimuli rather than managing ourselves deliberately. Proactive vs reactive. Love this. November 11, 2013 8:56 pm

Shelly:
As I look back at my happiest times I realize they are always when I'm serving others -- and I tend to have the will and energy to serve others when I am not isolated and thinking of myself. I tend to isolate myself when I'm not taking care with what I eat and if I'm too sedentary. It's definitely a circle for me:) I've discovered that if I force myself to do something outside of myself I tend to be happier, and then I naturally take better care of myself. I've tried it many times the other way around -- by saying I need to take care of me first. It alone never fills me with joy. The service allows me to feel the desire to change things to better myself. When the two are coupled together, well, it's wonderful! I need to get there again... November 11, 2013 8:57 pm

natalie:
Belinda, Idle time is NOT my friend either. I think that is a lesson I've been learning lately more than any other. SERIOUSLY. I'm so sorry to hear about the adoption! I'll be praying for you. We're in the process of adopting as well, and that is my biggest fear. . . hope dashed. I'd rather just wait, hearing nothing for an eternity, than have a situation fall through. I'm sincerely so so sorry. xoxo November 11, 2013 8:58 pm

natalie:
Lexington: It's so hard to move forward with a goal when your spouse isn't totally onboard with you! I think every married person on this planet would agree. BUT I also KNOW that if we can stick with our goals. . . eventually our partners really do come around—they see the change in us, and they want that for themselves too! About . . . gosh. . . like 7 years ago maybe?? haha! Richie started to work on being healthier. I wasn't really on board. It was HARD for him to eat well and exercise when I wasn't totally committed to doing the same. I didn't make the environment very supportive of his goal, let's just say that. But he stuck with it, and after a month ish, I saw the change in him and wanted it for myself! He was losing weight, yes, but more than that, his entire countenance was brighter. He was happier! It was inspiring. Our family is STILL so much healthier to this day because of the choice he made to stick with it 7 years ago! All that said, stick with it, Lady! Our thoughts are SO POWERFUL! It's worth the effort! And I just know your husband will come around too! xxoo! Natalie November 11, 2013 9:02 pm

natalie:
Shelly, I love this! You have been such a huge example to all of us in this regard! No one serves as joyfully as you do! We all see your joy, and that sincerely makes us (all of us-kids, grandkids, etc) eager to serve more as well! I love you! November 11, 2013 9:04 pm

Kristy DeGraaf:
Natalie - I've been thinking about this a LOT lately as well. I've been reading some things and following some blogs about the Law of Attraction and the concept that we are cocreaters with God and we literally can create our own reality. Whatever we believe will happen will. We will repeat the same negative patterns in our lives over and over if we believe that we are doomed to be unhappy or a failure or too busy or whatever it is. So I've been working on creating the realities that I want. And it's been a fun journey. Still working on it…. November 11, 2013 9:22 pm

Allie:
Great post! Sometimes I think we get stuck in a rut of being unhappy. Then it just becomes easier. Being happy can be the easier choice, but it takes some work to achieve it. Thanks for your great insight. November 11, 2013 9:37 pm

Valerie N:
Natalie. Thank you for exploring this topic. It's something I've been thinking about for a very long time. In response to your post, I think that happiest people probably don't think as many "what ifs" as I do. I find that when my mind gets into the act of "what if this" and "what if that," it snowballs and makes me very unhappy. It also allows me to make up unrealistic scenarios in my head that bring about fear, anxiety, jealousy, envy, and other negative emotions. I wish I could learn to live more in the moment rather than thinking about what could be or what could've been. The happiest people I know are the ones that say, "This is awesome. Right here. Right now." November 11, 2013 10:56 pm

Lizz:
My friend Brienee sent me your way. This couldn't have come at a better time. I am really struggling with being happy as a stay at home/work from home mom. Thank you for inspiring me and bringing me back to reality, that I have a choice to be happy. November 11, 2013 11:16 pm

Sarah Brown:
I've been following this series on your blog and I love it! I think, for me, comparison is a HUGE source of unhappiness. The more I compare myself to others, the more I decide that I'm lacking. And that does nobody any good.
I've noticed, conversely, the more time I spend creating, the happier and more present I feel. It can be editing photos, or drawing things, or decorating my space- but it seems to put me in a mindset of contribution over comparison. November 12, 2013 12:07 am

Annie:
As I sort through the memories of my life, I truly believe that the times I've been the very happiest were the times I wasn't focused on trying to be happy … instead, it was the times I was focused on making the people around me–from my family to random strangers–happy. For me, my own happiness has always been the wonderful side effect of forgetting myself and thinking instead of those God has given me to love. November 12, 2013 12:23 am

jill thomas:
WOW! these happiness posts are rocking my world!! JUST WOW!
I love what Annie said! i think we live in a time that we "evaluate our happiness". We analyze everything! The times i have been the happiest is when i dont think about ... i just am happy. when i evaluate anything for too long, i will think of something bad about it. i try not to evaluate my relationship with my husband, i just try to love and serve him the best i can and be happy with what we have together. if i evaluate it, i will find flaws and find reasons not to be happy!
this being said ... i can DO better! i can evaluate myself and find ways i can do better and with in this, i will be happier!
for example, what you brought up: TIME MANAGEMENT! I am a happier person when i dont feel stressed. i am horrible at managing my time wisely, i live in the moment and have a hard time looking ahead at my day and thus, create very stressful situations for myself. i am happier and my children, family are happier, when i am not stressed! i think the #1 things i need to do better to be a happier person is to manage my time more wisely. This means scheduling out my day, not wasting time texting, or instagramming (SO MUCH. its okay a little right??). you get what i am saying. prioritizing my day and sticking to it. i am a happier person and thus my home is happier!
SORRY FOR THE NOVEL! i just love this discussion! November 12, 2013 1:49 am

jill thomas:
One more thing ... i read what sarah read about comparision. i think another source of inner happiness is a grateful heart. i am a huge believer that a grateful heart with cure most anything! when i am grateful ... truly grateful ... i have a inner happiness and i am able to be happy for others around me (and not compare!) it also helps me spend less money and that make me happy, hehe! :) November 12, 2013 1:53 am

Angel:
I discovered my key to happiness in our recent trip to Fiji, a place full of happy people! Happiness erupts in the present. Busyness, and the ensuing anxiety of being busy, abduct happiness. The "work" you speak of is learning how to "Just Be." When in the present, you remember to laugh, take in, feel, connect, hold, and, oh ya.....BREATHE! :). Love you, Nat November 12, 2013 2:41 am

Marcella Cook:
Thank You so much for your inspiration all the time. We met under difficult circumstances and you've been a role model for me since that time. This gives me food for thought and I'm sincerely wonder what makes me happy. November 12, 2013 4:35 am

cam:
something my mother taught me. Let the light in. Literally let light in your house, open your blinds, let the sun shine into your living room. Go outside, breathe the air, look at the sky, feel the sun on your face, touch the grass, smell the flowers. It is an instant pick me up.
have a quiet time out
when your inner voice is telling you that you failed, tell it right back yea but I succeeded at..... fill in the blank.
smile :) November 12, 2013 7:52 am

Chelsea Prince:
When I think back to my mission for the church I truly feel overwhelmed with pure joy. When I think of when I was the most happy I think of my mission. I actually have thought a lot about why I was so happy there. The conclusion I have come up with is because I was completely selfless and obedient. When I think only of others and how to bring them joy rather than dwelling on how I can be happy is when I am the happiest. It is times when I am not worried about what people think of me, or finances, or things about me. I truly believe in the phrase we have heard over and over again that President Hinckley tells of his father writing him and saying "forget yourself and get to work". We can apply that into our everyday lives. Love thinking about this Natalie! November 12, 2013 8:58 am

Camille:
Last night I went to Barnes and Noble to hear former International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield speak. That man was saturated in happiness. Someone asked him what he misses about being in space. His response: "Absolutely nothing!" He said he cherished and loved the rare opportunity he had but why should he miss any of it when he lived it just like he is living today and he will live out tomorrow. I thought that was such an interesting perspective. Everyday is an adventure and if we seek it out, we will live everyday fulfilled and excited for the next. November 12, 2013 10:54 am

Stacy:
This post was perfect for me today ! With my husband losing his job two months ago , getting pregnant , me working full time, my electricity being shut off yesterday and all the other woes that come from having hardly any income coming in to where there's no money to pay for bills today I was determined to have a negative day because why not I thought to myself there is nothing going good in life right now !! Then I read your post and remind myself that there are many things I have to be grateful for like the home I live in , The baby I have in my tummy, my amazing hubby, my two beautiful children and for the opportunity everyday to wake up and put my shoulder to the wheel and push along. This post and series is what I need to remind me I have more than enough to be HAPPY about. Thanks Nat for always being the Happy Pushy go lucky gal who helps get me out of my rutt ;) Timing is everything and YOURS is always the best !! November 12, 2013 11:44 am

Diana:
A family fitness challenge sort of forced me to start exercising on a daily basis, and I realized that 30-60 minutes per day is a huge investment in my health and happiness! Until then, I was exercising about four times per week, but now I fit it in every day. I've realized I feel like I can take on anything if I get a workout in each day! Cheers to health and happiness, dears. :) November 12, 2013 12:02 pm

teresa:
I have a very clear idea of the person I want to be. And yet, I often find myself spending my time doing things that aren't necessarily congruous with that image. I've found that I am infinitely more happy if I take 30 seconds to question whether an activity (mindlessly watching tv vs spending time with a friend--or even spending time with a friend while mindlessly watching tv) is something the person I want to be would do. If I follow my initial instinct to the answer of that question I am always happier. Sometimes it is as simple as adding a friend or loved one to the activity that makes the shift for me. great post! November 12, 2013 12:29 pm

alisha:
I feel like I have heard a thousand katrillion times that when you stop to think about others, instead of yourself, and serve them with genuine love, then you will be soo much happier. And you know what? I really think it is true!! November 12, 2013 1:03 pm

Sharalee:
I guess I would say that yes, I would love to be "happier", but the reality is that it isn't my goal. My goal is to serve others, to love fully and to live in a way that honors my creator. If happiness is a bi-product of that, then awesome, but I feel like what I'm looking for is fulfillment, even in the midst of trial and struggle and pain, when happiness doesn't seem near. Does that make sense? November 13, 2013 11:33 am

Tami Christian:
October through December are also sad months for me. Each year I think that I am not going to let the echos of past years where things happened that were very sad effect me. Each year I seem to fail. Like someone else mentioned I feel myself letting the sadness take over and I seem to wallow in self pity until sometime into the new year. I love your messages on a happier today. It has inspired me to try harder to just BE happy. I am often looking for step-by-step instructions on how to be happy and there isn't any. I do find joy in working with the young women in my church. Serving does bring me happiness. But all too soon it seems sadness seems to trickle back in. Having said all of this, I have found though, having lost most everything I thought was important was actually one of the best thing that has ever happened to me. I wish I could have learned the lessons a little less painfully but now I find I appreciate the small things in life again. I can do hard things. It just isn't fun all the time. I love your blog, posts on instagram and your messages. Thanks Nichole. November 15, 2013 4:16 pm

Joy Bianchi Brown:
hi! I love your posts! My friend Tamara Lackey turned me on to you, and I genuinely resonate with your reasoning! I love the idea that it takes the same amount of work to be happy as unhappy, and that how we respond to our situation has as much to do with our happiness than anything.
I think the happiest I can remember is spending time with people I love -- when I don't have a deadline and I can just enjoy people -- mostly my children -- but truly anyone in my family. Ironically I need to really focus on focusing on them, not allowing other life to get in the way as I enjoy the time with those I love.
Happiness to you! November 15, 2013 4:49 pm

Lyssa Beth:
I love this idea. I've been in the biggest slump and just kind of depressed. It never occurred to me that the effort I put into feeling crappy can be flipped the other way. It's all in the way I look at things. Thank you! November 15, 2013 9:25 pm

Bluebird143:
I am the happiest when I choose to be present in my everyday life. When I spend my time doing the things I'm doing and being present in those moments rather than doing the things I'm doing while my brain is off thinking (worrying) about tomorrow, next week, next month. If I can spend my time in the present I am a much happier me! November 21, 2013 10:07 am

Rees Phillips:
Nice post but it leaves me with a question.... Why do you assume that anybody else is living a happier life and therefore making better decisions than you...?? from a cathartic soul.. January 11, 2014 12:27 pm

natalie:
Rees, Good question. To be clear, I don't assume that about everyone, all the time. I simply want to live the happiest life I'm able. . . and as I firmly believe that happiness is a product of agency, I want to be the best steward of my life I possibly can be by working toward happiness in meaningful ways, every day. xo, N March 17, 2014 9:09 am

Serge:
Very impressive storytelling. As I am searching the internet for inspiring wedding photos I stumble on this blog. I Love It! The Bokeh on the images are just spectacular. The image feel and use of tone surely defines some good taste in style. Thank for sharing. I will surely learn a lot from these images. September 21, 2016 7:45 am

This is one of my favorite images of myself, ever. It was taken by my dear friend, Gina Zeidler, while we were in Mexico photographing a wedding together.

You know why I love this picture so much? It’s not because it’s incredibly flattering (it’s not), nor is it because it’s so technically astonishing (again, its not. . . it’s an iphone picture, after all). No, I love this image because of the way it makes me feel. I’ve never seen such a sincere belly laugh captured anywhere in the history of photography! When I look at this, I’m transported right back to all the hilarity (and joy) of the moment it was taken.*

_______________________________________________

A quick grammar lesson, just for fun:

Feeling Happiness:

When we’re discussing happiness as an adjective, it’s all about how we feel. It’s no secret that we all want to feel happy. I mean, really, how many people do you know whose goal in life is literally to be unhappy?

Yet interestingly, many people (myself included) often make decisions in the name of seeking happiness that actually bring the exact opposite into fruition in their (our) lives. When you really give it some thought, it’s easy to see how and why this would happen.

Since happiness is an emotion (as we discussed in Happier Today: part I), it’s so easy to confuse it with other emotions that produce feelings similar to happiness. Thus, people find themselves (aka I find myself) making decisions that they (we) sincerely believe are leading us toward greater happiness, when in fact, the opposite may be true. Let me give you an example:

When I was young, I was a dancer and a choreographer (I actually earned a dance scholarship at the University level). During my college years, I had the opportunity to be involved in many wonderful productions both at my university and in my community. However, when it came to auditioning for some of the larger productions (national/traveling shows), I would always convince myself that I was simply too busy. I sincerely believed that I was “happier” participating in the smaller shows that were easily accessible to me—my feeling was that these shows were less stress and pressure and that they allowed me to have time in my life to pursue other things in tandem with following my passion for dance. At the time, I thought my decision not to audition for these larger shows was born of a desire to be truly happy. In retrospect, I can see that my decision was born of a desire to feel safe. If I didn’t audition, I didn’t run the risk of being rejected, thus I could maintain a feeling of safety and control (not happiness, mind you, but safety and control—really not even close to the same emotions when you lay them out side by side)! I chose to play it safe and missed out on the opportunity for sincere happiness—the tragedy is that I had myself absolutely convinced that the opposite was true!

I can think of a million examples from my life where I confused happiness with other emotions! I think it’s likely that you can too. Take a look at this list of feelings that could easily be confused for happiness and see if any of them potentially ring true for you (ps this list could easily be three miles long, but we’ll keep things simple by including only a few).

What do you think? Is it a little eye opening when we see these emotions displayed side by side like this? How many of our day to day choices are potentially driven by a different emotion than we allow ourselves to believe? It’s worth some real introspection, I think. . .

Doing Happiness:

There’s an old country ballad by Clint Black called, Something That We Do. I don’t think I’ve heard the song even once in at least the last 10 years, but this week, as I’ve been focusing more and more on the art of happiness, a line from the song keeps popping into my head. It’s a song about all things love, and of love, Black sings, “but it isn’t something that we find, it’s something that we do.” (As an aside, I think Bob Goffmight agree.)

We’ve all heard it said that love is a verb. It’s something we DO. Our actions surrounding love are what keep love alive. Love without action is simply an idea. Love WITH action . . . is power. Love, coupled with doing, increases both the love others receive from us as well as the love we feel for the people we share it with (as well as the love we feel for and from God and the love we feel for ourselves).

We’re merely dancing adjacent the true depth of the concept here, but you get the picture.

And so it is with happiness. Happiness isn’t something that we find, it’s something that we do.

Happiness, friends, is a verb.

Putting it all together:

What happens when we put all of this together?

1. What happens when we get really clear about the decisions in our lives . . . and more importantly, the true driving emotions behind them?
2. What happens when we turn happiness from a feeling into a verb—something we DO?

Could these decisions transform the way we think (and feel)? Could these decisions revolutionize the way we live?

Happier Today Experiment:

The Happier Today Theory maintains that when we are feeling unhappy, we have two choices:

1. We can seek out ways to avoid our unhappiness.
2. We can seek out ways to increase our happiness.

Assuming (as I am) that choice number two is the superior option, I’ve got an experiment for us. Let’s try approaching happiness as a verb. What do happy people do? How do happy people live? How do happy people respond to uncomfortable emotions? How do happy people manage themselves in their relationships with others?

I’m willing to bet my bottom dollar that as we mindfully approach happiness as a verb, we can legitimately become happier, TODAY! . . . and tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, but most importantly, I believe this decision will increase our happiness in the here and now (and I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty appealing to me).

*Background on the image referenced at the beginning of this post: I was sitting in the tiniest hammock in the world, posing for a picture, and as I adjusted myself in an attempt not to fall out of said doll house hammock, I may or may not have released the most robust. . . um. . . well, let’s just call it what it was, FART in recorded history. (You can tell I’m a mother of boys, because I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard in my life.)

Kate:
Cutting loose of the "thinking" today - focused on just doing. A little awkward (sign I'm still in the thinking mode) but believe from my gut that the doing is possible. Thanks for the shove :-) November 1, 2013 8:51 am

Or do you feel as though you are in a never ending state of melancholy?

Or do you know that you’re simply getting by, rather than living in an abiding state of sincere happiness. . . real joy?

Maybe you suffer from depression or other mental ailments that make happiness difficult to achieve, let alone to sustain.

To each of you, I offer my most earnest namaste. You are not alone.

Sometimes, happiness is hard.

I’m going to be very transparent. October through January . . . hurt. It’s like somehow the days on the calendar are coded into my emotional DNA. . . October rolls around and my chest starts to pinch, a physical heaviness sets itself upon my shoulders and a dull ache arrives and parks itself at the nape of my neck. It doesn’t take much to make me cry once October arrives. It doesn’t take much to make me assume the sky is falling either. This bright and cheery time of year is hijacked by my grief (and/or the anticipation of it).

By February, slowly, but surely, the cloud begins to lift. But in it’s wake, I tend to find the pieces of my broken life, littered all around me. Being so incapacitated for 4 of the wildest months of the year isn’t really conducive to staying atop your throne, and climbing back up to reclaim your rightful place as ruler of your life can be as arduous and painful as the falling down.

And I’m done with that. Yes, sometimes happiness is hard, but I’m up for the challenge . . . how about you?

Join me as I test my Happier Today theory in hopes of encouraging a brighter, happier, more abundantly joyous future for us all!

__________________________________________

The Happier Today Objective:

I’m writing this week’s series with three primary objectives in mind:

1. I want to be happier.
2. I want you to be happier.
3. I think God wants you and I to be happier.

What is Happiness?

One of the most profound things I’ve learned about happiness over the years is that it’s an emotion, not a state of being. Happiness is a feeling that is inspired by outside stimuli—an emotional response to the world around us.

We can increase our happiness by the way we choose to respond emotionally to the events in our daily lives.

What is Joy?

Joy, on the other hand, is a state of being. Joy is achieved from the inside out. It is more permanent.

So why, you may ask, is the project called “Happier Today” when joy is arguably the more sustainable and desirous of the two? Good question.

Here is the best (and most honest) answer I can provide: While joy, as a permanent state of being, may in fact be the greater good of the two ends in mind, I still want to experience a greater consistency of the emotion called happiness. I think you do, too. Also, I believe that the pursuit of happiness leads ultimately to a greater undercurrent of joy in our lives as well.

Producing Happiness:

It’s hard to be happy.

Or, perhaps I should say, sometimes it’s hard to produce happiness.

Being happy, after all, comes as a result of producing happiness, correct? If happiness truly is an emotion, and we are the governor of our own feelings (aka our response to the stimuli that surrounds us), then we are only as happy as we choose to be. . . and the choice in favor of happiness is made one day, no, one decision at a time.

Over the last few years, a huge part of my business has shifted into the world of Personal Development Consulting (I use this obscure term, because “Life Coach” makes me want to gag). This wasn’t an industry I sought out. This wasn’t a goal of mine, nor was it even on my radar, honestly. In fact, I don’t really believe that one person can effectively tell another how to live. Decisions about life, and shifts in the way that we live our lives, ultimately have to come from the inside out in order to be sustainable (not to mention purpose driven and sincerely fulfilling). So, as inquiries for this kind of service started coming in, I initially turned them all away.

When the requests didn’t stop or even slow down, I did some soul searching and became aware of two things:

1. People are awesome.
2. People need connection and support.

Allow me to expound:

1. People are awesome, because they WANT to be remarkably happy! Other creatures seek fulfillment, safety, comfort . . . but human beings want to be happy! Not just happy-ish, but deeply and genuinely so. I knew this all along, but the constant influx of messages seeking guidance or help in achieving greater happiness (even from individuals who were genuinely happy already), was just astonishing to me. I was inspired and encouraged in a million ways.

2. People need connection and support. Growing up (high school into early adulthood, especially), I was fiercely independent. I was also generally unhappy. I was an absolute island unto myself. For some inexplicable reason, I wanted to be perceived as strong, and again, inexplicably, I thought that strength meant that I needed to stand alone. My “strength in independence” was sincerely my greatest weakness during this period of my life; it lead to far more isolation, anxiety and unhappiness than I could ever say.

As more and more people started reaching out to me, seeking support, I was reminded of this experience from my youth. “If I am happier and more successful when I’m sincerely engaged with others,” I reasoned, “perhaps I can help others find more success and happiness by sincerely engaging with them. . .”

So reluctantly, I took on one client, then another, then another. Now this very unique kind of consulting is one of the most fulfilling elements of my business and life.

The reason I share this with you is because over the years, as I’ve engaged in this kind of work, I’ve found an interesting trend. Toward the beginning of our time together, I almost always ask clients to tell me about a time when they remember being sincerely happy in their lives. Here’s the kicker—nearly without fail, their answers describe a time when they were engaged in important projects: maintaining good physical health, focusing on deeper levels of spirituality, developing a talent or skill, intentionally living with more gratitude and awe, investing wholeheartedly in an important relationship etc etc etc. I have never heard anyone describe their happiest time as being based on any kind of circumstance. In other words, I’ve never heard a report of this nature: “The last time I was sincerely happy, we were rich” or “The last time I was sincerely happy, I was skinny.” When I’ve asked people to dig deep and describe their happiest times, it has almost always been a time when they were actively involved in producing happiness on their own—through the choices they were making with the way they spent their energy and time.

But that’s no mystery, is it? It’s no mystery that we’re all happier when we’re participating in certain activities or when we’re committed to making healthy behaviors a constant, habitual even, part of our lives.

The Choice is Ours:

The choices we make inevitably lead us down one of two paths: the path toward a greater sense of happiness (and thus a greater sense of joy) or the path toward a diminished sense of happiness (and thus a diminished sense of joy).

I’m done with the incessant ache that haunts me throughout this joyous season. I’m not going to run from my pain. I’m sure I’ll still ache, I’m sure I’ll still have rough days, but I’m going to test a theory. . . and I hope you’ll join me (even if your life is wonderful. . . there’s always room for greater joy).

The Happier Today Theory:

When we’re feeling down—be it stress, discouragement, grief, loneliness or depression—it is our tendency to make choices to avoid or numb pain. Many (myself included) find themselves falling into the dangerous habit of distraction. We make choices to avoid our pain at all costs— by spending excessive time searching the web or on social media, by watching exorbitant amounts of television, by shoving our pain down with ravenous eating (or alcohol consumption), by seeking constant entertainment (and immediate gratification) in the form of shopping, going to the movies, going out to eat etc (not that any of these choices is inherently bad, merely that the driving emotion behind the choices being made is that of avoidance).

The Happier Today Theory is that when we are feeling unhappy, we have two choices:

1. We can seek out ways to avoid our unhappiness.
2. We can seek out ways to increase our happiness.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that choice number two has a higher propensity of leading toward greater happiness (and ultimately, abiding joy).

Join me as I test the Happier Today Theory! Over the next week, I’m going to be posting ideas and tips designed to help each of us (myself as much as anyone else) increase our happiness. . . TODAY. Engage in these happiness inducing activities with me, and let’s see if we can’t increase our level of overall happiness each and every day!!

Jamie:
Yes! I love this so much Natalie! Perspective is a powerful too, the choice to alter your perspective and there by alter you joy/happiness/contentment. Such a priceless gift! October 28, 2013 11:18 pm

Kate:
I.Love.You. Thank you for posing this timely and very important experiment. I'm with you as we test it together! Here's to choosing to engage in life. October 28, 2013 11:25 pm

Josh:
Wow. You have a way with words like no other, my friend. It's like God was using you this morning to speak directly into my heart. To speak the words I needed to hear in this moment. Now, I sit here, in a puddle of my own tears ready to snuggle my kids so hard when they wake up. Thank you, and of course, I'll be stoked to join you testing your Happiness Theory... October 29, 2013 4:44 am

Liz:
Your timing could not be better Natalie!!!! October 29, 2013 5:38 am

Kate S.:
Thank you! I needed this. The biggest period of grief in my life is the moment cool weather hits. I am glad to have this, I look forward to this project. Everything you say above hits the nail on the head! Bless you in your grief. October 29, 2013 6:59 am

Liz and Ryan:
We absolutely LOVE this post and idea! Happiness is most definitely a choice! We can't wait to read more on your Happier Today theory and to choice happiness each and everyday with you! xoxo! October 29, 2013 7:27 am

natalie:
Liz and Ryan, Yes! Happiness is a choice. Sometimes a VERY hard one to make. Hopefully I'll be able to manage this in a way that has a deep sensitivity to the sincere difficulty some face in finding and maintaining happiness! xoxoxo! October 29, 2013 10:06 am

Rae M Corlis:
I think many of us have a hard time around the holidays. I have nothing so deeply disturbing to my soul as the loss of my baby, but I get sad around the holidays. I guess it marks another year alone, another year to try to make a "holiday" of happiness and excitement for the sake of others when it felt like one more chore added to an endless list.. I don't know why it's like that for me. Don't really make sense as I have been so blessed in my life. Mandy and Beth have been a blessing to me in my life, they saved my life. So I thank you for this post, the truth you've found in your soul spoke truth to mine and it reached me at a time I needed it. I will face it and accept the happiness and the sadness and challenge myself to live more fully, to feel more fully and not to hide away. Natalie, I thank you--I'm probably known to you as Mandy's Mom. October 29, 2013 4:15 pm

Lindsay McBride:
I'm in love with this post!!! Thank you for always being so honest and true! Your words are inspiring and make me want to jump out of my chair this very moment and Be Awesome!!! Your posts are such a refreshing reminder to Keep breathing and keep moving forward! You have the wisdom of an 80 year old! Teach me oh wise one!!!! Love you BIG! October 29, 2013 4:34 pm

Christina:
I love this. And I need it right now. Thanks for the challenge- I'll be checking in! October 29, 2013 8:14 pm

Kerri:
"the difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do" AND "do what you can with what you have where you are". These two quotes are my mantras. I've been battling post pardum for months and although I don't act depressed I still feel depressed. I'm doing things, but I don't feel the happiness or the joy of it. I want to feel happiness again. I just keep hoping it will magically reappear one day. I'm eager to read more of your thoughts and experiments. October 29, 2013 9:45 pm

Norma:
Your openness is touching to my heart. For me, when autumn starts I have moments of sadness -- not everyday but a day here and a day there. It doesn't last for months though.
Would that we could erase the sad memories ...
I agree that #2 - seeking out ways to increase our happiness -- is the best route.
May you find true happiness and peace. October 30, 2013 4:29 pm

natalie:
Rae! I love your comment so so much. Your sincerity is so deeply touching to me. . . I've always loved that about you. You are so right. . . the holidays are hard for so many of us, for so many different (sometimes unidentifiable) reasons. Something you said resonated with me so much. . . the idea of simply "accepting the sadness." I think sometimes I really struggle when I'm trying to be happy over the top of sorrow or pain. If I stop and just acknowledge and allow myself to process (aka accept) the sadness, it often seems I am better equip to move forward in joy. As human beings, we tend to put such an emphasis on making sure people feel heard and acknowledged. . . yet, we don't generally offer that same act of grace to OURSELVES. Perhaps hearing and acknowledging our own sadness is a bigger step toward happiness than we know. . . SO much love to you, friend! N October 31, 2013 9:54 am

natalie:
Lindsay, You make me laugh. I think I also have the boobs of an 80 year old. . . truth be told. ;) xoxo! October 31, 2013 9:55 am

natalie:
Kerri, Those are fabulous mantras to live by! The second one you shared is a favorite of mine as well. Postpartum depression is no joke. If you don't start feeling better, I hope you don't feel any shame in getting help. Sincerely. It breaks my heart that there is a stigma surrounding this type of challenge. No one would blink if you needed insulin injections etc. . . but when we need something to help us with our mental health, we squirm. It's ridiculous. So many blessings to you, friend. I've been there too. I'll be praying for you. xxoo, N October 31, 2013 9:59 am

Trisha:
THANK YOU for this, Natalie. This brightened my soul today. You have a way with words indeed. I plan to quote from this next week during my talk, I hope that's okay. The difference between happiness and joy has been explained perfectly! :) x November 2, 2013 6:38 am

The day I met god Martin Elliott:
[...] I have been shooting all this voluntarily, behind the scene for Great Ormond Street Hospital for almost 6 years, however, this experice has transformed me as a person and I’m Currently reading Happier Today: part I— an introduction. [...] November 5, 2013 11:08 am

Renee:
Natalie, I just got home from the TOFW, I tried to talk to you there but so did everyone else. I just wanted to tell you how your words touched me. My husband and I lost our 1st and 4th son. After I lost my first son I had two very strong healthy boys. I got pregnant with our 4th, when I started having complications I said the same thing that you did. This couldn't possibly happen to me, twice. Surely I would be allowed to be spared the pain a second time, but that did not happen. Our 4th son only lived 21 hours and then he passed on. I cried a lot today but on the hand felt very uplifted. Thank you November 9, 2013 11:00 pm

natalie:
Renee, I love you, friend. I KNOW our Father in Heaven would NEVER give us an ounce of pain that was not absolutely necessary for our eternal progression. It's SO HARD to lean into that knowledge when we hurt so deeply, but ultimately, no matter how hard it is to wrap my heart around, I sincerely know it is true. I love you, Renee. xoxo Natalie November 11, 2013 6:40 pm

Lena Messana:
I came across Gavin's video today, b/c I was looking up funeral photography. Someone had just asked me about shooting one for them. I told them that I would look into it and for them to let me know. My best friend's mother always took photos at her family viewings. While I thought it was a little odd to me as a teenager when I first realized this, It became the norm to me. So I did not even hesitate to tell them I would be ok to do it should I be available. Unfortunately, I was already working during the service.
Which brings me to looking up and finding the video of the photos you shot for the N family. Their sweet girl... :( I watched the entire thing. Cried. A lot. I had no idea of the story, but I felt for these people. Then I continued to read the post you were writing...and came to your video. I want to extend hugs, even though I know it is years ago. The pain never truly goes away. While I have not lost a child, I have lost both my parents. The best thing that anyone ever did when my mom passed, was no words. I am sorry. Just a hug.
I look at Lovesong Photography, and Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, etc - and often wonder how people find the courage to photograph these moments. I am a wreck just sitting here watching the videos, reading the stories..... I think though, that I may want to find out. I feel like I keep coming across these stories for a reason. I just couldn't pass up letting you know how you touched me with your photos, and then with your story. I may be babbling now, I apologize - But just had to share. <3 FOREVER HUGS <3 November 16, 2014 4:14 pm

The day I met god Martin Elliott - Duncan:
[...] I have been shooting all this voluntarily, behind the scene for Great Ormond Street Hospital for almost 6 years, however, this experience has transformed me as a person and I am currently reading Happier Today: part I— an introduction. [...] June 9, 2016 9:07 am

This morning, as we drove the boys to school, Richie in the back seat right along with the rest of the crazies, everyone singing along to The Beatles (my absolute favorite band), reading family scriptures, having family prayer, and then shouting our “I love you’s” back and forth as the boys piled out of the van and bounced joyfully into the world. . . I was filled to overflowing with gratitude and joy.

We’ve worked so hard, Richie and I, to set up our lives intentionally. Early in our marriage, we sat down together and decided upon staunch priorities surrounding what we wanted our life together to look and feel like. (NOTE: It’s no surprise that the majority of those goals centered around the kind of life we hoped to be able to provide for our children). I’m so happy to report (to myself more than anyone else) that despite pitfalls, roadblocks, discouragement, and outright failures (yes, plural), we’ve remained committed to the things we deemed (together) to matter the very most. Case in point the ability to drive the boys to school—together—in the mornings, and the luxury of picking them up—together—in the afternoons. This is a small example of a bigger picture reality we have worked so hard to achieve.

Not to say that we’ve got it all perfect. We still have SO (so so so so so SO) far to go, but we’re on the right path—the pathway toward our intentional life, and it is so absolutely energizing and fulfilling that my heart nearly bursts with joy just thinking about it.

Intentional living will look different for everyone, but friends, do the work to get clear (about what you want your life to look like) and then get busy (creating the life of your dreams). You CAN do it, and you’ll be so glad you did!

Allow me to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Ms Karen Lamb: ”A year from now, you’ll wish you started today.”

Christy Tyler:
Thanks to your wisdom and inspiration - I'm happy to report (mostly to myself as well) that I feel like a completely different person than I was in February when I met you both - because you showed me that how I live/lead my life is MY CHOICE. I realized I needed to make some giant changes so I wasn't letting life fly by without having each day look how I intended for it to look! Of course I have good days & bad days - the main point is I'm TRYING and my husband & I are better off for that! Thank you for being such an inspiration! XOXO October 18, 2013 12:32 pm

Joanna:
That last line, the quote - that's the most motivating thing I've read in a long time. Thank you!! October 18, 2013 1:36 pm

Susan:
This is just what I needed to read today. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, you really helped me out. :-) October 18, 2013 4:52 pm